A Starbeck man who has raised more than £2,500 for St John Ambulance is set for a special welcome home this week.
Jamie, 23, is due to complete his 500-mile challenge at St Andrew’s Church Hall car park at 6.50pm on Wednesday (7th October), the day before his 24th birthday.
Members of the Starbeck St John Ambulance Youth and Fellowship will welcome him with flags and bunting, alongside supporters who have followed his progress through the Jamie’s Challenge Facebook page.
Knaresborough’s Town Crier will also be there to announce the arrival of Jamie and his dad, Dale.
A short presentation will follow inside the church hall, with refreshments and a birthday cake.
Jamie began his challenge on St John’s Day, 24th June, aiming to cover the equivalent distance from Starbeck to St John’s Gate in Clerkenwell, London, and back.
He has built up the miles in manageable stages, riding a tandem bicycle with Dale, swimming and using a rowing machine at the gym.
Jamie lives with Koolen-de Vries syndrome, learning difficulties, epilepsy and kyphoscoliosis. Following a bleed on the brain, he also experiences variable muscle tone, which makes coordination and spatial awareness particularly challenging.
Physical activities require additional concentration and energy, but his family say he has approached the challenge with enthusiasm and determination.
Jamie has limited speech and communicates using gestures and his adaptive iPad.
His connection with St John Ambulance began when he joined Starbeck Badgers. He later progressed through the Cadets and is now a member of the St John Fellowship, which he attends with support from his carer.
The challenge is his family’s way of thanking the organisation for its support over the years.
Jamie’s family said:
“St John Ambulance has been a huge part of Jamie’s life. The support, encouragement and inclusion he has received over the years have meant so much to him and our family.
“This challenge is our way of saying thank you while raising vital funds to help St John Ambulance continue supporting others.”
St John Ambulance Area and County team members have also been invited to join the homecoming celebrations in Starbeck.
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